The Via delle Sorelle: the path that connects Bergamo and Brescia

130 km on foot among the gems and hidden corners of the two provinces

130 km to walk, 36 municipalities crossed, 6 recommended stages of about 20-25 km each: these are some of the numbers of the Via delle Sorelle, the route inaugurated on the occasion of Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023. By connecting the two cities, it allows pilgrims to discover unparalleled and little-known panoramas that are not among the most popular tourist destinations.

A walk in the name of slow pace and sustainability awaits you: get ready for a journey in the sign of tranquility and nature, where the two provincial capitals are materially linked to be increasingly closer and more supportive of each other.

A dive into history, culture and nature

Parks, natural areas, lake, hills, and mountains, but also ancient villages, art and architecture masterpieces, production areas of agri-food excellence known throughout the world, precious proofs of craftsmanship: the Via delle Sorelle is all this.

This itinerary is rightfully one of the most evocative walks in Italy: surprise and unexpected views await hikers at every step and lead them ever closer to either side of two provinces which are usually recognized for their high industrial productivity and important communication routes.

Yet, leaving either of the two cities is enough to sense the atmosphere destined to guide the entire journey: places of high historical and cultural value testify to the legacies of mankind occurred over the centuries, embedded into extraordinary green landscapes where silence and tranquility are the undisputed protagonists. Wonderful churches and abbeys rich in works of art dot the area, as do the ancient villas, the palaces, and the copious vineyards growing on the hills.

Along the route, facilities are available to guests in which they can eat and rest, each at their own pace. There, they can recharge their batteries before setting off on the next stage, or wait a bit before returning home to set off again at a later time: complete freedom is given to modulate the journey as they wish.

The Via delle Sorelle: numbers and main attractions along the route

Walkable in a bidirectional way and developed largely on the hilly areas of the two provinces for a total difference in altitude of 3,800 meters, the path crosses:

• Bergamo and Brescia, the two provincial capitals
• 34 Municipalities
• 2 Unesco sites (the Venetian walls of Città Alta in Bergamo and the monastic complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia in Brescia)
• several areas of naturalistic interest, including 2 regional parks (Parco dei Colli di Bergamo and Parco regionale Oglio Nord), 1 local park of supra-municipal interest (Parco delle Colline di Brescia) and 1 regional reserve (Torbiere del Sebino)
• 3 DOC-DOCG wine-growing areas (Franciacorta, Val Calepio, Terre del Vescovado)
• 2 Wine Routes (Strada del Vino di Franciacorta and Strada del Vino Valcalepio e dei Sapori della Bergamasca)
• the intersection with other paths or routes of significant importance: the Antica Via Valeriana, the Sentiero 3V, the Cammino di Santa Giulia, the Verde dell’Oglio path, the Via Mercatorum, the Cammino del Vescovado, the Cammino di Carlo Magno, the Alta via Delle Grazie.

Unmissable are also the site-specific artistic installations positioned along the route and created by artists inspired by the values ​​of the path and the places, many of which are made with local materials. The project is open to anyone who wishes to apply for it, and the works can only be reached on foot.

Organizing your trip along the Via delle Sorelle

Before setting off, we recommend consulting the official website of the Via delle Sorelle.

This portal is constantly and collects all the information needed to face this experience with awareness and serenity. In addition to the stages, the website also provides information on accessibility, signage, credentials, hospitality, and means of transportation. Sections dedicated to FAQs and useful advice are also there.

Backpack on, and off you go: have a good trip!